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Swindon Next Step

A collaborative project supporting people towards independent living and preventing returning to homelessness.

Local organisations are delivering a programme of weekly groups and courses for people in Swindon at risk of homelessness, homeless or in temporary accommodation, in supported housing or previously homeless.

Swindon Next Step is network of trusted organisations offering free groups and courses designed to empower people to overcome the problems which are holding them back. As well as giving people the knowledge and tools to manage specific challenges and gain control of their life, the programme provides an opportunity to make connections, build structure, and improve motivation, confidence and a sense of purpose. The groups are open to anyone affected by homelessness in Swindon.

To join a group

If you are accommodated within supported or social housing, your housing officer or case worker can help you to complete a referral and submit this on your behalf.

If you are otherwise affected by homelessness you can ask staff at Swindon Borough Council’s Housing Team, Community Hubs, Live Well Swindon, Job Centre or another professional (eg counsellor, drug/alcohol worker, probation officer, social worker, benefits advisor) to refer you.

For a referral form or more information:

Groups and courses

Click to view Course dates and information September 2026 - March 2027

Managing Money

Would you like to feel more confident managing your finances? Read more

Managing Money

Managing your money is a vital skill for sustaining secure, independent living. Money issues have a negative impact on security and wellbeing and can make it difficult to secure stable housing in the future.

This short course of three sessions can help you understand your relationship and beliefs about money, learn to budget, manage household bills, save and manage debts, and discover the links between money and mental health.

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Employability

Do you want to work, but don’t know where to start? Read more

Employability

Most people affected by homelessness face barriers to finding employment. Many have difficulties searching for and applying for jobs, are worried about how their background may affect their chances, anxious about how working will affect their benefits, or don’t have the confidence to approach companies and attend interviews.

This ten-week course will teach you skills to search for jobs, write a CV, apply for benefits, access training and volunteering opportunities, prepare for interviews and understand what to expect in the workplace. Sessions will improve your confidence and motivation to explore a career path and support you to take the next steps towards securing the right job for you.

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Confidence and Motivation

Do you struggle to find the confidence and motivation to do the things you want? Read more

Confidence and Motivation

Factors such as trauma, poor mental health, physical health issues, disability, neurodiversity and stigma can destroy people’s confidence and motivation. For many even simple, everyday tasks can seem daunting, making changes feels impossible and achieving your goals and aspirations completely out of reach.

This ten-week course can help you to think more positively about your life, develop your self-belief and find a sense of purpose. The sessions will support you to identify your pathway forward and build the confidence and motivation you need to work towards your goals.

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Healthy Relationships

Do you have difficulties in relationships with family, friends, your partner, co-parent or others? Read more

Healthy Relationships

Relationship breakdowns are the most common cause of homelessness, with many people having lost or broken relationships with family, friends, partners and children. People who use harmful behaviours in relationships and people who have experienced harm are particularly vulnerable to homelessness and forming unhealthy relationships in the future.

This five-week course explores what makes a healthy and relationship, how society shapes our views about relationships and recognising when behaviours become abusive. The sessions will help you discover your needs and triggers, develop strategies for emotional regulation and understand consent, boundaries, and how to access help if your safety is at risk.

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Managing Stress and Anxiety

Is stress or anxiety impacting your quality of life? Read more

Managing Stress and Anxiety

Research shows that the majority of people with a background of homelessness live with anxiety. Stress and anxiety carry significant risks to health and wellbeing and can have an enormous impact on relationships and the ability to carry out day-to-day activities.

This workshop explains the effects of stress and anxiety of your body and brain, and how this can affect your thoughts, feelings and behaviours. You will learn strategies to manage stress and reduce anxiety, improving your health, confidence, enjoyment and achievements in other areas of your life.

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Mindfulness and Meditation

Do you struggle with a ‘racing mind’ or feel unable to switch off? Read more

Mindfulness and Meditation

It is common for people with housing insecurity, previous trauma, neurodiversity or other issues to feel like their thoughts are unmanageable. Preoccupation with the past or worries about the future can prevent people from processing their feelings or managing their lives in the here and now, causing distress, exhaustion, procrastination and/or impulsive behaviour.

Understanding mindfulness and learning to be mindful can be very effective in bringing yourself into the present, gaining perspective, letting go of judgement and slowing down the mind. Mindful meditation and other mindfulness techniques can enable you to soothe, soften and give space to your experiences, creating acceptance, releasing you from negative beliefs and allowing you to grow into a new confidence.

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Digital Music Group

Would you like to express yourself through producing your own songs and music? Read more

Digital Music Group

Four out of five people with homeless experience have difficulties with their mental health, yet experience barriers to accessing support. Creative therapies are an informal alternative to talking therapies and create opportunities for participants to explore ideas, develop new skills, and build confidence through creative practice.

This group will support you to learn an easy-to-use digital programme to create your own songs, add instruments/effects, edit, mix and DJ. Music therapy can enhance problem-solving abilities, encourage open-ended thinking and experimentation and offers a constructive outlet for expression, helping to reduce stress, increase focus, foster a sense of achievement and inspire positive change.

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Arts and Crafts Group

Would you like to learn skills and communicate through the creation of art? Read more

Arts and Crafts Group

Four out of five people with homeless experience have difficulties with their mental health, yet experience barriers to accessing support. Creative therapies are an informal alternative to talking therapies and create opportunities for participants to explore ideas, develop new skills, and build confidence through creative practice.

This artist-led workshop could improve your mental health, help you build confidence, learn new skills, have fun and take time to relax. Art therapy can enhance problem-solving abilities, encourage open-ended thinking and experimentation and offers a constructive outlet for expression, helping to reduce stress, increase focus, foster a sense of achievement and inspire positive change.

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Creative Writing Group

Are you looking for a fun and therapeutic way to manage your inner thoughts and feelings? Read more

Creative Writing Group

Four out of five people with homeless experience have difficulties with their mental health, yet experience barriers to accessing mental health support. Creative therapies are an informal alternative to talking therapies and create opportunities for participants to explore ideas, develop new skills, and build confidence through creative practice.

Creative writing can help you to relieve stress and build self-confidence as you safely explore your thoughts, feelings and experiences through the written word. Self-expression can enhance problem-solving abilities, encourage open-ended thinking and experimentation, increase focus, foster a sense of achievement and inspire positive change.

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Men’s Group

Do you feel judged, lonely or excluded? Read more

Men’s Group

Many men with a background of trauma or homelessness feel unable to talk openly about their feelings and experiences, for fear of being judged or ridiculed. Stigma, conflict and isolation can aggravate relationship problems, mental health issues, substance use and negative behaviours. The Men’s Group is a safe space for you to share your emotions, thoughts and experiences, build connections and gain a sense of belonging and identity.

The group provides the opportunity to support others while gaining recognition and understanding from men who may be dealing with similar issues helping you to explore the challenges in your life, look at your beliefs and behaviour patterns, learn from like-minded people and foster hope and self-esteem.

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Outdoor activities

Would you like to take up a healthy outdoor activity? Read more

Outdoor activities

A lack of structure or meaningful things to do with your time can leave people isolated and unmotivated, often leading to poor health and self-neglect. Costs and other barriers to accessing clubs or activities can lead to the perception there is nothingthat can do to improve your wellbeing and the obstacles are too big to overcome.

This group provides a weekly opportunity to meet up, relax and have fun while participating in healthy outdoor activities such as football, tennis, pitch & putt or gardening. You could benefit from regular social connection, improved physical and mental wellbeing, developing motivation and purpose, and discovering new activities that you look forward to and enjoy.

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Independent Living Group

Are you worried about managing and maintaining your tenancy or accommodation? Read more

Independent Living Group

Many people who secure independent accommodation are unable to sustain their tenancies, with some having repeated returns to homelessness. Managing a home without support can be daunting due to a new daily regime of tasks, costs and responsibilities which must be met consistently now and in the long term.

If you are preparing to move into independent accommodation or have secured housing after being homeless then this group is an opportunity for you to share experiences, challenges, support and solutions with others who understand your situation. Staff from local services will share information and advice on topics such as managing benefits, staying on top of your bills, employment, mental health, repairs, self-care, community involvement and how to get support. You will be supported to solve problems together, improving your confidence in building a secure and fulfilling future in your new home.

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The groups and courses will be delivered by established local service providers with a strong track record of helping people to achieve positive change.

We are proud to work with these trusted partners:

Swindon Next Step is generously funded by the Ministry of Housing, Community and Local Government's Ending Homelessness in Communities Fund, which supports the government's broader strategy to end homelessness by:

  • strengthening community-based support,
  • transforming day services,
  • helping individuals live independently and
  • preventing homelessness and rough sleeping.

Homelessness on our doorstep

Homelessness is destroying lives in our community. A thousand people in Swindon do not have a home and many more households are at risk. Anyone can be affected by homelessness.

Please help us to end homelessness in Swindon.

Donate